Seeking Community of Gardens CoordinatorBlue Ridge Women in Agriculture is seeking a part-time Community of Gardens Coordinator. The Community of Gardens is a network of gardens, food pantries, and community meal services throughout the Watauga County. The network includes church gardens, Lettuce Learn school gardens, plot-based gardens, and other community gardens, as well as organizations such as FARM Cafe, Hospitality House, and Hunger and Health Coalition.The goal of the Community of Gardens network is to facilitate strong relationships between gardens, community volunteers, agencies working on food security, and community groups offering food to those in need. Community of Gardens is intended to strengthen food access and food security in the High Country through sharing resources and ideas, as well as coordinated, strategic planning.

Responsibilities:Outreach & Communications (20%)

Regularly communicate with network members, respond to emails in a timely manner, maintain email correspondence within the network, and send out monthly newsletters

Continue to seek out gardens, agencies, and community groups to grow the network

Maintain and regularly update Community of Gardens website, email list, and facebook page

Work cooperatively with other BRWIA staff, including assisting with BRWIA events, tabling, and presenting to community groups

Grant writing & Fundraising (15%):

Seek out and apply for funding and resources for the Community of Gardens, including but not limited to: garden coordinator stipends, garden materials, garden infrastructure projects, and workshops related to gardening and education through gardens

Work with garden coordinators to creatively fundraise as needed, including fall and spring plant sales

Volunteer Recruitment & Management (20%):

Recruit and manage volunteers to work in gardens

Recruit and manage a Community of Gardens intern(s)

Project Management (45%)

Lettuce Learn

Food Outreach Project: Track and maintain records of food produced and donated by gardens; Coordinating collection of excess garden harvest from community gardens; Delivery of produce and processed garden collection to food pantries in Watauga County